Trusty Old Friend

I like stuff. I probably have too much of it. A combination of sentimentality and worry I won’t have something when I need it? Makes sense that my two favorite types of things are useful things and things attached to memories. 

This is my Leatherman. It’s been with me since 1993. Sometimes I use it like a fidget, spinning the lanyard loop with my thumb or absent-mindedly opening and closing it. 

I’ve taken it around Mount Hood and Three Sisters Wilderness. I had it during my summers leading mountain tours in the Sierra Nevada mountains. It has been my savior on countless road trips. I’m pretty sure I used this Leatherman to pinch flat every barbed hook in my fly fishing box.

There was one warranty repair, when I used the plier as a pry bar. Leatherman graciously repaired it for me. Now, 32 years later, user error will be my own expense. Fair. If you look real close at the photo, you can see I didn't learn my lesson.

Twice, I thought I lost it. The first time, I just put it away in the wrong spot. The second, I left it at a job site. Panicked, drove back and found it under the refrigerator I was repairing. I did lose the original sheath. Rather, I don’t have the original sheath; I gave it to someone.

I like this Leatherman, but I cherish the memories of all the places we’ve been together and the people who came with us.

Forgetful Me, Curiosity, and Artifacts

I forgot I had this blog. I stumbled across some notes about it in a journal and was reminded not only that I have a blog, but of why I journal. Sometimes I feel I can't remember anything. Brain getting old? Stress? Consequence of dopamine addiction? Who is to say?

While we here, let me tell you a little about myself as I stand today:

I've reached that age in life where one starts to feel very comfortable with the things they like. 

I hope this doesn't make me rigid. I try to keep my mind flexible and curious. I try to listen to "the kids these days" instead of just chasing them off my lawn.

This is what I am thinking about: I will share my thoughts through artifacts of my life. Trinkets and tools that hold meaning. This could turn into anything from product reviews to ramblings to YouTube recommendations.

I am at a coffee shop. I didn't plan this, so I will find something in my bag to type about... Hmm... what do I have in here...

My watch. That will work.

It's a wrist watch, but I had it in my bag. I don't always like the feel of things on my wrist. So I keep a wrist watch in my bag. 

It is not a fancy watch. I appreciate it for what does for me. It lets me check the time without looking at my phone. I like the reduced distractions. That is why I went analog for my time keeper. No notifications. No neglected texts or voicemails.

I wear this mostly when I go fishing so I can keep tabs on time without my phone. It gives me a warm feeling. A feeling adjacent to freedom because I wear it mostly when I am going out to stand waist-deep in the river, casting flies and watching them drift.

When I wear this watch I often see otters and beavers swimming, deer drinking, and osprey or eagles circling above. I wear it when I breathe deep and stop worrying.

I appreciate that this watch is not a reminder of time slipping away, but a player in my restoration. 

- Ben Jones